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It's Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Pass It On!

I am a 58 year old newbie taking lessons from a nice younger woman probably about 35 years old.

I wonder if it would be appropropriate for me to give her a small Christmas gift at our last lesson before Christmas (this coming Thursday). My wife cautions that it may not be appropriate since I am a male older than she is.

What do you think? If yes, what would be an appropriate gift? If no, should I just give her a card (& a hug)?

If you're worried about it, just give a card. You could give a Christmas "bonus", not sure what the appropriate term is equal to one lesson fee or a gift card to Barnes and Nobles or local bookstore equal to the amount of one lesson.

As a younger female teacher myself, I hate receiving the 4 most common gifts: candles, chocolates, bath products, and cookies. Better would be a gift card/gift certificate from her favorite music or book store.

Also think about what her non-musical interests are. She may be a cat or Simpsons freak, for example. One of my favorite gifts from a student last year was the third book of the The Simpsons: The Ultimate Guide to Your Favorite Family.

today at the lesson, i gave my teacher a box of Belgium chocolates and some holiday candles and he's so happy to accept them. initially, i was wondering too if it's ok to give him anything on the 3rd lesson with him. but it's holiday time, and teachers also want to be appreciated!